Transfer boost for Barcelona as AC Milan’s pursuit of key target hits a roadblock | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford is a man in demand in the ongoing January transfer window, having fallen out of favour at Manchester United, with FC Barcelona and AC Milan emerging as two of his most ardent suitors.

The Blaugrana are eager to bring in a new left-winger who can also operate as a centre-forward so as to add more depth and firepower to their attacking unit.

However, recent reports suggested that AC Milan might hold an edge over the Catalan giants having been working on the deal for longer and the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played with Rashford at Manchester United.

Milan’s pursuit hits a block

However, Barcelona have now received a boost as SPORT reports that AC Milan’s pursuit of Marcus Rashford has hit a roadblock.

The Italian giants have had to pause their chase of the Manchester United man due to complications with another planned transfer.

Rashford is in demand. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Noah Okafor was set to join RB Leipzig on loan from Milan until the end of the season, freeing up a spot in the squad and wage bill for Rashford.

However, Leipzig released a statement explaining that Okafor failed his medical due to muscular issues in his calves, which will sideline him for approximately two weeks. As a result, Leipzig declined to finalize the deal, forcing Okafor to remain in Milan.

Milan had submitted an initial offer for Rashford: a loan without a buy option, with the club willing to cover half of his wages. However, without Okafor’s departure, they lack the financial and roster flexibility to complete the deal.

This development gives Barcelona a clearer path to secure Rashford’s services. The English forward is keen to leave Manchester United and join a club with title ambitions, positioning Barça as an attractive option.

Despite the setback, Italian sources suggest Rashford’s agent and brother may travel to Milan to explore alternative solutions. So, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona capitalise on the Rossoneri’s problems and close the deal for the Man United ace.